Wesley UMC has been voluntarily recycling for many years. The recycling has been strictly voluntary based on our Christian belief that we should use wisely what God has provided to us. In the past, we have recycled white paper generated in our offices and plastic, glass, aluminum, and tin food and drink containers generated in the kitchen through the Town of Vienna.

Earlier this month, we received a letter from the company that collects and disposes of our trash which stated that recent Virginia and Federal legislation calls for mandatory establishment of recycling programs. We found that many of the “rules” established by trash companies and local government environmentalists were no longer applicable. For example, many types of plastic, as well as colored paper and newsprint that were earlier deemed nonrecyclable, are now indeed recyclable. Thus, many waste disposal companies have adopted what is called Single Stream Recycling. Basically, anything that is recyclable is collected in a single container. That includes plastic and glass bottles and jars, aluminum and tin cans, cardboard, white and colored paper, newspaper and magazines, etc. In fact, it would be easier to say what is not acceptable for recycling through single stream recycling programs – food waste (garbage), styrofoam containers and packing material, printer cartridges, cell phones, batteries, computers and other electronic devices, and bathroom waste.

We have rented a large recycling bin, which will replace the makeshift container currently in the kitchen. In addition, we will have containers for collection of recyclable material in various parts of the facility – the Narthex, Fellowship Hall, Choir Loft, and the classroom hallways. There will be separate containers for (a) bottles, cans, and other drink containers and (b) recyclable paper products.

We’ll have more information forthcoming. If you have any questions, please contact Dick Takamatsu.